Andhra Pradesh Government has sought Singapore’s expertise and technical know-how in building a series of ports, Smart cities and in establishing a petro-chemical corridor in the State.

Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs, K. Shanmugam, who met Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu at the Lake View Guest House here on Thursday, held discussions in this regard. Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Minister R. Kishore Babu was present during the interaction.

Mr. Kishore Babu told The Hindu that Andhra Pradesh government was planning to develop four major ports – Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Krishnapatnam and Gangavaram - and 16 medium to small ports. Immediately Machilipatnam and Ramapatnam, near Kavali would be developed, followed by others. He said big trans-shipment facilities were also being planned and the knowledge base of Singapore would be utilised in this regard. He said similarly Singapore’s expertise was sought in building smart cities and that country’s planners and architects would offer technical help.

Mr. Kishore Babu said Singapore was having one of the biggest petro-chemical complexes and its know-how has been sought for establishing petro-chemical corridor between Visakhapatnam and Chennai. Besides these, its help was also sought in building roads, infrastructure, promoting e-governance and public policy making.

He said Mr.Shanmugam has responded positively to the State government’s request.

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Preparation for celebrating the Festival of Colours - Holi is in full swing with small-time vendors and in Begum Bazar and others areas in Hyderabad stocking materials like colours and Chinese sprayers. Photos: Mohammed Yousuf.